RismadarVoice Reporters, March 30, 2026
Delegates from Kebbi, Ekiti, Bauchi and several other states on Sunday led participation in the 2026 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the party unveiled a new 19-member National Working Committee (NWC).
The convention, held at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, saw over 2,500 delegates affirm new national officers through a consensus arrangement, in line with the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), which provides for a 19-member NWC to oversee the party’s affairs.
Abdulrahman Mohammed emerged as National Chairman, while Senator Samuel Anyanwu was affirmed as National Secretary. Other key officers include Aaron Chukwuemeka (Deputy National Chairman, South), Yusufu Akirikwen (SAN) (Deputy National Chairman, North), Kolawale Olabisi (Deputy National Secretary), and Odeyemei Oladiran (National Treasurer).
Additional members of the NWC include Umar Bature (National Organizing Secretary), Jungudo Mohammed (National Publicity Secretary), Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) (National Legal Adviser), Ibrahim Aboki (National Youth Leader), and Prof. Ogunshe Adedayo (National Women Leader), among others.
The convention, however, exposed deep divisions within the party, as participation varied across states. Delegates from Benue, Ekiti, Kebbi and Ogun were present, while Edo State and some others boycotted the exercise, describing it as illegal due to a pending Supreme Court case.
In Ogun, the party secretary, Dr Sunday Solarin, confirmed that while some members attended, others aligned with a rival faction stayed away, reflecting internal disagreements. Similarly, Gombe State officials said they abstained due to unresolved issues.
In Sokoto State, the crisis deepened as a faction led by Abubakar Danmafara defied the state leadership’s boycott directive, insisting that the state remained fully represented at the convention.
Despite the tensions, key party figures, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and PDP National Leader Nyesom Wike, called for unity and reconciliation ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, in Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed has initiated reconciliation efforts, chairing a newly formed consultative committee aimed at resolving internal disputes and repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The convention underscores ongoing struggles within the PDP as rival factions continue to contest legitimacy and control of the party’s structure.
